C-TPAT is a joint
government-business initiative to build
cooperative relationships that strengthen
overall supply chain and border security. C-TPAT
recognizes that Customs can provide the
highest level of security only through close
cooperation with the ultimate owners of the
supply chain: importers, carriers, brokers,
warehouse operators and manufacturers.

Through this
initiative, Customs is asking importers and
Customs brokers to ensure the integrity of
their security practices and communicate
their security guidelines to their business
partners within the supply chain.

Pier 34
Solutions, Inc. has developed a
methodology that assists importers,
NVOCC companies and
Customs brokers with this important
process. We
have designed Security Surveys,
incorporating CBP-developed guidelines, for all
elements of the supply chain. We ask each
organization to give detailed information
about their security awareness and
implementation. Within the U.S.A., we help
importers improve their security procedures
and we suggest implementation of security
measures, should we observe areas for
improvement.

After we
have received the completed security surveys
from your partners in the supply chain
and from your U.S. operations, we
compile comprehensive responses to all
sections of the Security Link Portal
for submission to CBP. Should changes
or improvements be necessary at any level of
security, we follow up with suggested
fixes. We also continue to evaluate security
issues as relationships change in your supply
chain dynamics.

Why join C-TPAT?

Over 80% of import volume into the USA is now done
by companies that are C-TPAT certified. They derive measurable and
extremely valuable benefits from their membership in the Customs-Trade
Partnership Against Terrorism.

C-TPAT offers businesses an opportunity to play an
active role in the war against terrorism. By participating in this
worldwide supply chain security initiative, companies will ensure a more
secure and expeditious supply chain for their employees, suppliers and
customers. Beyond these essential security benefits, CBP offers
benefits, including:

A reduced number of CBP inspections (reduced
border delay times);

Priority processing for CBP inspections.
(Front of the Line processing for inspections when possible);

Assignment of a C-TPAT Supply Chain Security
Specialist (SCSS) who will work with the company to validate and
enhance security throughout the company’s international supply
chain;

Potential eligibility for CBP Importer
Self-Assessment program (ISA) with an emphasis on self-policing, not
CBP audits.

Another very good reason to join C-TPAT is that many large US
companies – your customers might be among them – are now demanding that
their US suppliers are C-TPAT certified. So why miss out on high-volume
business only because you haven’t taken the steps to become C-TPAT
certified?

And last
but not least: should another terrorist attack take place in the USA,
and it turns out that a weapon of mass destruction entered the country
by ship or plane, all importing will immediately be suspended, and the
resumption of trade will of course first be granted to C-TPAT-certified
importers. Don’t you think it would be a good business plan to be one of
those?